Yellowstone

Sadly, we left old friends, but not without having had a great time rehashing old stories and times. The trip to Boise and McCall was our start on our dream journey to see as many of the National Parks as we can. Our first park on that journey is Yellowstone National Park.

One thing I have always wanted to do was to fly fish in one of the western rivers that one reads about in all the fishing magazines. Yep…..That’s me in the Yellowstone river tossing a fly out there for all those hungry cutthroat trout that weren’t very appreciative of my technique!!! I have now waded for trout in the famous Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park.

We had arranged to meet friends Matt and Alice from Sunshine Key in Florida who had decided to join us on our quest of the National Parks. That’s us at the Continental Divide in Yellowstone Park.

The Park is beyond what we expected with its natural beauty and the animals. We no sooner arrived through the West Gate when we spotted an eagle and herd of Elk.

The biggest animals we saw regularly were the Buffalo…TATONKA!!

The beauty of land is unbelievable and we took picture after picture from the northern end of the park with higher elevations and some of the upper stretches of the yellowstone…

….and through the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone….

…..to where it empties into Yellowstone lake

Of course we took in the mudpots, Old Faithful,hot springs, etc

I only posted a few pictures but you can see a few more on Marge's blog www.morephotosfrommarge.blogspot.com

McCall, Idaho

Everyone finally arrived in Boise and it was good to see everyone. Its been 49 years and really longer that we have know each other and we are having a great time

When arrived in McCall we located ourselves at Ponderosa State Park where we are to stay for the next 4 days. The campsite is close to where our friends are staying and the park is one of the nicest we have seen in a long time. Essentially it consists of a pull through to the side of the main road that allows complete privacy on the door side of the coach and with an area for firebox picnic table and room for a screen room. We had visitors too!

And our friends too !

We had a cookout at the motorhome one evening and enjoyed Payette Lake with a pontoon boat trip that ended with a snack and swim on the North Shore. The trip on the boat was a wonderful way to see the lake

The water was great !

Only one of us overdid!

While we didn’t imbibe too many liquids, we did enjoy the evening meals. We did end our last evening with an excellent meal at the “Shore Lodge” on Lake Payette.

What a great week!

Boise, Idaho

We were the first of a group of old (and I do mean old!!) classmates from high school (class of 1960) that decided some months ago to meet in Boise then go on to McCall Idaho for golf, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing, hiking and food.  Bob and Pam have a place there and we were first to arrive.  We proceeded to a campsite nearby on the Boise River and its river walk.  The rest of our group is arriving over the next day or two from all over the country.             

The picture above is from downtown Boise just under one major bridges viewed from the riverwalk.    Boise is a beautiful!   Downtown is active and there are people walking about everywhere.  The riverwalk I keep mentioning is for hiking walking fishing running and biking.   Five of us rode bikes some 14 miles exploring it and city that runs through it.   Once everyone arrives we head north to McCall.

Fort Bridger, Wyoming

When traveling we try to go for a few days then stop and spend two nights in one spot to take a break from the driving.   One such stop was Fort Bridger, Wyoming, a major point along the Oregon Trail that many settlers took on their move West.  Below is a replica of the stockade fort as it originally stood.

The stockade fort was only 100 feet by 100 feet and had a similar protected area for stock off to the side.  Inside was Jim Bridger’s quarters and the trading post area along with a blacksmiths spot for repair of wagons and other services to the travelers

In later years the fort became a military post that was upgraded substantially with masonry buildings and nice residences.

Today, Fort Bridger was a nice respite on our trip West and the town while still a farming community is still a nice stop along the I-80 corridor West.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Our next stop on the way West was Cheyenne, Wyoming.   We have tried very hard not to drive ourselves till we drop and have made an effort to only go 200 to 300 miles a day, stop early and smell the roses or even do a little exploring.    Cheyenne just happens to be home to the Union Pacific Railroad and they have a museum downtown in this fantastic old stone Railroad station.   See below.

The interior besides being used in some areas for the museum has been restored to its original splendor with the Union Pacific’s growth west inlaid in the floor.

Behind the station is their workshops and yards that are huge….although they were much bigger during the heyday of steam.   There are still roundhouses and remnants of older buildings and equipment.

Today, no less that 74 trains pass through these yards every 24 hours

In going through the museum we came across this photo of a  “railroad windmill” such as we had seen in Nebraska

Last but not least we saw one of the original “Big Boy’s”  the largest steam locomotive ever built.   It weighs 1,250,000 pounds.   They used to haul the heavy loads over the western mountains before the influx of diesel locomotives.

Windmill State Recreation Area Nebraska

The Gordon wedding went off without a hitch and everyone had a good time.   We enjoyed seeing old friends.

After the wedding we went back to our motorhome anxious to leave on our trip West.

Our first stop after a reasonable days drive was located at MM285 along I-80 in Nebraska. The park itself used to have quite a number of old historical Windmills but now unfortunately the remnants of a few and one 10 ft diameter that is still operating.  Below are a few pictures of the windmillsThe operating 10’ windmill  

 

Vane from the 20’ “railroad” windmill that is the largest made

The 20’ windmill on the ground being prepared to be restored

Part of the tower that was 51’ high

We stayed just the one night but there were few other campers and the stay was fun with bike riding and exploring.

First stop on western trip, Joliet,Illinois

We left this morning for what will be a two month trip to the western states, and a visit with our daughter and family in California.  Our first stop was Joliet, Illinois where our former neighbors son and one of our sons best friends is to be married tomorrow night.

It was good to be back in the motorhome and have everything working without problem.    The only problem was locating a campground near Chicago and the wedding, however we found an older one near Joliet, which is not too far from Tinley Park (where the wedding is).   After setting up, we decided to see downtown Joliet and in particular the Des Planes river which flows thru the downtown area.  Apparently, this city was a major rail hub and with its current proximity to Chicago and its transit system trains are moving constantly through the city.   Next time here it would be worthwhile to prowl all the rail lines to see all the equipment. The pictures below are of the  river running through town with some of its picturesque bridges.

After walking around town we found a great restaurant and had a quiet dinner outside until the rains came.   Neat town!

Busy spring

Busy is not the word….shoulder surgery and recovery….lousy weather (we wonder why we came home so early)….good times with grandchildren and soon to come a week up north on a lake with the whole family.   No traveling to speak of which is as good an excuse as any, beyond the trip north with family we are leaving the end of July for a trip West for two months.   Will keep this blog up then.

February Fun

Well once again a month has gone by and it has been busy with family visiting, fishing, eating out, eating in and mostly just partying with friends we have met over the years that spend their winter here at Sunshine Key.

Our son Ben and his family Emily, Jack and Molly visited us for Presidents day week and we had a great time visiting beaches, visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon and of course spending some time fishing

Two of my favorite fishing buddies who caught quite a number of fish!

Grandma at a music concert here in the campground.

One of the many dinner dances that have been entertaining with even some good food being served.

A superbowl dinner get together in the park at one of our neighbors and of course we all participated in the preparation.

We have had company and we do get together with everyone most days but its not all party and the weather while advertised as fantastic does get windy enough to prevent us from fishing some of the time. We even had a few days of fog which is a first for us and it was thick? Below is picture I thought was kind of neat showing the fog.

One of the old bridges in Florida Keys

One other thing of interest is that we have noticed this year an active presence of the Border patrol…..considerably more that in years past.

At Last ……Sunshine Key

We arrived four weeks ago and were welcomed by old friends and acquaintances who also spend time each year in the warm Florida Keys.  Its quite a place!

We’re back in our same spot again, and we have been busy!!

 

Had super ribs with good Friends on the first Friday night there.

                                            

                                                                               

 

Watched our friends from Wisconsin launch their brand new boat

 

 

 

 

Saw our old boat looking as good as new!

 

 

 

Launched our boat and did some fishing without much success getting skunked and then at another time only getting enough for just one great dinner of fresh snapper.  Weather has not really cooperated.

 

Volunteered at the ice cream social and also again at the “Havana nights” dinner with authentic Cuban food that was unbelievably good!

 

 

 

Marge found time to decorate our campsite!

 

 

 

 

Worked on repairing some things on the motorhome.

 

 

 

Some of us passed the bad weather time playing holey ball. Notice the sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts.  Temps were as low as in the high 40’s at night.

 

 

Had another dinner out with friends.   Actually it seems we seldom eat at home and are doing a lot of Hors D’oeuvres and potluck with the neighbors.

 

Visited Key West and explored this beautiful city again.   Found this special sign that’s kind of unique.

Will post more about Key West soon….it’s one of our favorite places.

 

 

Old friends arrived for a weeks visit….Steve and Mary Hefernen….newly retired and enjoying life.

 

 

 

Food prep for Superbowl party with everyone in the neighborhood.  It does seem that all we do is eat, but such good food.

 

 

 

Just before the game our friends the Thompsons arrived ….with the new retiree Sue…..the one with the smile.

 

 

 

Once again its been too long for this post and once again I will try and post more often.